The 7 best national forests that must appear on your list of buckets

Travel experts say they are essential destinations.


You have heard of the United StatesNational parks andnational monuments, but what you might be less familiar are the American national forests. These hidden gems are home to some of the most spectacular views of the country, all supervised by the forest service of the American Department of Agriculture (USDA). Unlike national parks, national forests are established not only to manage natural resources, but also to "maintain the health, diversity and productivity of the country's forests and meadows to meet the needs of current and future generations", according to Forest Service Forest Servicemission statement.

There are a total of 155 national forests which cover 193 million acres in the United States, all which you can enjoy (often for free). If you find it hard to decide which national forest you must first explore, travel experts are there to make your life easier. Read the rest to discover the seven national forests which, according to them, should appear on the list of the buckets of everyone.

Read this then:The 6 best American national parks to see fall foliage.

1
National Shasta-Trinity Forest, California

shasta-trinity national forest
Stephen Moehle / Shutterstock

Are you planning a trip to California? Head north to the National Shasta-Trinity Forest, whichSophie Clapton,,travel blogger Because we dream of traveling, believes does not receive as much recognition as it should.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"For the moment, the national forest of Shasta-Trinity remains one of the most neglected destinations for explorers and lovers of nature," explains ClaptonBetter life. "It is a diversified and photogenic natural region of natural beauty that rivals the country's park or national monument."

There is a lot to do in this national forest, but Mount Shasta should not be missed. This volcano has twin peaks - and he has already blew one of his tops, says Clapton.

"This majestic monolith stands above a picturesque forest with alpine lakes, roaring waterfalls, ash cones, hot sources and a multitude of volcanic characteristics that invite hikers and explorers to discover the countless natural wonders Who hide everywhere, "she explains.

2
Hot Hood National Forest, Oregon

mt hood national forest
Josemaria Toscano / Shutterstock

If you read this list, you probably have a semblance of interestin the great outdoors. But if you want to see one of the "most emblematic natural characteristics" in Oregon, you need to consult the Mont Hood national forest,Adam Marland,,travel photographer And a writer for us dream of traveling, says.

According to Marland, the Mont Hood national forest is the "jewel of the crown" of the state - having been named one of theSeven Wonders of Oregon- And there is no shortage of things to do here.

"The national forest of Mont Hood protects a preserved expanse of Wilderness from the North West Pacific [PNW] which includes endless lakes, rivers, streams, hiking trails and a motorhome," explains Marland. "This region is a favorite getaway for the myriad of Portlandais who like the outdoors that jump to any excuse to get lost on a track, as well as occasional tourists who want to live the particular beauty of the PNW."

Marland also recommends driving along the famous "fruit buckle", where you can check "dozens of vineyards, fruit farms, cideries and sellers".

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3
Tongass National Forest, Alaska

glacier tongass national park
Dshumny / Shutterstock

Are you ready for a trip to Alaska? If so, take a trip to the Tongass national forest, whichDenisha Rawlings,,travel planner And Sojourn Alaska's blogger, said "should be on the list of buckets of everyone".

Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States, explains Rawlings, and according to the Forest Service, it extends over17 million acres On the south-east of the begging of Alaska. Rawlings adds that you can access this forest by cruise ship, but you should also take some time to stay in "one of the least visited communities" nearby.

There are a unique range of opportunities in the Tongass National Forest, says Rawlings. "Hiking on a glacier, dog sledding, fauna observation, hiking and fishing are only some of the activities available."

4
Flathead national forest, Montana

flathead national forest
Danita Delimont / Shutterstock

The rocks also house a national forest worthy of the list of buckets. Flathead is located south of the Glacier National Park,Gabi Robledo, co-founder oftravel blog Nomads with a goal, explains. Thanks to their proximity, you can probably hit the two in one trip, but if you only have time for one, you should consider opting for Flathead.

"Although it is only a few kilometers from one of the most popular national parks in America, you will find chances that you will find a vast solitude and equal beauty while exploring the Flathead National Forest," said RobledoBetter life. "This underestimated area is full of beautiful forests, incredible glaciers, delicious Huckleberries (in summer) and surreal summits."

According to the forest website, it offersOver 2,000 miles of trails, and if you plan a visit in winter, you can also pack your skis for an unforgettable experience in the American West. In the middle of "robust wilderness", there are some key stops that you will not want to jump.

"Do not miss the path to Strawberry Lake for beautiful views of the Flathead valley, as well as a pretty lake to relax," says Robledo, adding that more advanced hikers can also have an "unforgettable trip" on the path Mount Aeneas.

Read this then:The last 5 national parks that you should add to your list of buckets.

5
San Juan national forest, Colorado

ice lakes basin san juan national forest
Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

Another beauty in the Western desert is the national forest of San Juan. In the corner of Colorado, you can explore everything from "high mesas" and "alpine peaks" spread over1.8 million acres, explains the forest website.

AccordingProfessional photographer Jeremy Janus, visitors will want to discover the ICE lakes basin, which houses Ice Lake and Island Lake.

"These are lakes strongly victims of trafficking, but it is one of the most beautiful areas of Colorado in my opinion," explains JanusBetter life. "ICE LAKE contains more than one powder blue shine that is translucent and changes based on lights and shadows throughout the day. Island Lake has more than one turquoise / tiffany blue shade."

Even if the lakes are close to each other, they "feel completely different," says Janus, adding that you can also consult the floral landscape during the hottest months.

"The region is filled with wild flowers in summer and also offers an incredible campsite," he adds. "For me, it is a hike par excellence of Colorado which should be experienced by people traveling in the region of southern Colorado."

6
El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

el yunque national forest
Javier Cruz Acosta / Shutterstock

The only tropical tropical forest in the American national forest system is El Yunque in Puerto Rico, which really makes it an "essential visit", "Taima Ramsey,,travel expert And the founder of Poor on a private plane, says.

"El Yunque visitors can travel one of the 13 trails that take you through the rivers and waterfalls in which you can swim," says RamseyBetter life.

El Yunque is one of theThe smallest national forests, at 29,000 acres, according to his website, but what he lacks in size, he compensates in biological diversity. El Yunque houses a multitude of mammals, various reptiles, amphibians, aquatic species and 97 species of birds.

"In addition to the hike, El Yunque is home to hundreds of different specifications of plants and animals - it is certainly an essential visit for all those looking for a unique experience," explains Ramsey.

Read this then:8 state parks that are even better than national parks, say the experts.

7
Fishlake National Forest, Utah

fishlake national forest pando
Ink pixels / Shutterstock

Nicknamed "Friendly and family"The national forest, Fishlake is an excellent option for those who want to take motorized trails or look at the fauna in action. The forest takes its name from Fish Lake, which offers ice fishing in winter and is still another site considered to be "Gem" of his state, this time in Utah.

But according toBrittany Haglundof theFamily travel blog The list of mini-dinner buckets, there is something special that makes this forest stand out.

"What makes him worthy of the list of buckets is that he houses the largest living organism in the world!" Haglund tellsBetter life. "Known under the name of Pando, it is a grove of trendy trees (technically a colony of" clones ") which spreads more than 100 acres, consists of more than 40,000 individual trees and weighs around 13 million books.

Haglund recommends a trip to the fall, while the leaves are becoming yellow and make a "particularly spectacular view". If you are looking to double your explorations, you can take a quick 45-minute drive from the Capitol Reef National Park, which Haglund calls "the most underestimated national park in Utah".


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